Playing with Power - Book 5: New Adult Office Romance Read Free

someone I’d want to mess with.”
    “Oh yeah?” Landon chuckled.
    “She’s got this bizarre corn-fed strength from working on a farm all her life. I’ve literally seen her chuck a full-grown man out the door of the Pony.” Lauren giggled at the memory. They’d been playing pool when this strange guy put money down that he’d beat her on the next game. Ever the gambler, Ali accepted and promptly thrashed him, sinking ball after ball. When he refused to pay up, Ali scooped him up over her shoulder and dumped him outside the bar like it was nothing.
    Lauren noticed the odd look Landon was giving her. “Come to think of it, maybe we should just hire her as your body guard.”
    “Oh, I’m sure she’d love that.” Lauren took his hand. “Don’t worry, I promise I’ll be careful. I honestly don’t think Nick would hurt me.”

2.
    It’d been such an amazing weekend, Lauren had nearly forgotten the ultimatum she’d given Parker the Friday before. It was only after saying goodbye to Landon and getting ready for work she remembered the shit-storm she could be walking into. Just as she was heading out the door, she double checked the audio file was saved on her computer at the MyBFC office. She wouldn’t put it past him to try destroying her phone.
    As she walked to work, she smiled at the memory of Landon’s face when he’d heard the recording. Sitting in her bedroom, she played it for him just before they went out to eat. The sound was a little muffled because she’d had to shove it down her bra but their conversation had come through clear enough.
    “What, are you gonna hit me? You gonna pin me up against the wall again? You’re just a sad little man. You know I’m not scared of you.”
    Landon had looked at her and nodded appreciatively. She’d enjoyed watching his reactions as they listened to it, the anxiety and excitement of the moment still fresh as she relived it. When the recording ended, Landon had crossed his arms over his chest.
    “What?” Lauren said suddenly feeling embarrassed.
    “What what? You’re a fucking badass, I can’t believe you! What possessed you to actually record all that? I mean, it’s great you did but...holy hell, Wren.”
    “I don’t know, I just figured it was a good idea. Stop looking at me like that!” The feeling was an odd combination of self-conscious pride.
    “I guess I know never to cross the notorious Lauren Kemp. Good job though, seriously. What a fucking prick. I can’t wait to get this company going and destroy him.” Lauren enjoyed seeing the anger in Landon’s eyes, the feeling that he’d protect her no matter what. At the same time, she loved showing him she didn’t need much protection.
    Lauren shook her head, clearing her mind of the memory. It threatened to devolve into daydreams about her boyfriend, flying away from her at that very moment. No! Knock it off. You’ve gotta be sharp here. Parker’s like a trapped animal right now.
    She climbed up the stairs from the subway, thankful for the fresh autumn air. It was just becoming her favorite time of year and with as busy as she was, she probably wasn’t going to get much of a chance to enjoy it. I wonder if I’ll miss the seasons when I’m living out there? Even as she consciously tried to enjoy her walk to work, she couldn’t shake the feeling she was walking into a viper’s nest. Steadying herself, she rolled her shoulders back and confidently strode into the StyleSpur office.
    Faith looked up from her computer and immediately rushed over to her. A pang of guilt hit Lauren right in the stomach as she realized she hadn’t called her all weekend. I really need to tell her about Rochelle, maybe even play her the recording. On the other hand, Lauren was very aware how incriminating the recording was to her as well. Hopefully Parker didn’t realize she’d also recorded herself blackmailing him for a promotion. Even if I played it for her, would it matter? I’ve told her about things like